There has been an evolution of gaming controllers as mobile gaming becomes more and more popular by the year. Today, controlling mobile games can make a big difference, and we need the right kind of mobile gaming controller for that. It is time to take a look at the most popular contenders currently dominating the mobile gaming arena, equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, haptic feedback, and customizable buttons to boot.

In this article, you will also find information about the best game controllers for Android and iPhone and whether they are equipped with ergonomic design and applications. But let’s take a closer look at five exceptional controllers that are revolutionizing the mobile gaming industry. From cloud gaming to the incorporation of a gyroscope in controllers to offer precise control, these controllers are feature-packed. Well, let’s get straight to it and see which of these mobile gaming controllers could be perfect for our battle royal requirements.

Razer Kishi V2

We’ve been trying out the Razer Kishi V2 for a while now, and it deserves to be on our list of the best controllers for mobile gaming. This piece connects to our smartphones, which enable us to gain a significant upper hand in competitive mobile games such as Call of Duty. The microswitch buttons ensured immense responsiveness, while the non-slip, ultra-low-latency input allowed us to keep the lag down and our wits about us.

Razer Kishi V2 Features

One of the remarkable features that we find interesting is the extendable bridge mechanism. It is very simple to slide outward to fit all kinds of phone sizes, including larger ones. We tried it even with the huge Red Magic 6 with a 6. So they decided to use an 8-inch screen, which was just right for the case. The rubber foot pads are detachable to accommodate phones of various thicknesses and widths, including those with large camera bumps.

The Kishi V2 is lighter at 123 grams and less thick than the Kishi V1 and Backbone One. This lighter weight is a godsend for us during prolonged gaming sessions, as it lessens the fatigue experienced in the hands.

We’re particularly pleased with the analog sticks. They’re perfectly balanced—not too firm, not too soft—and they are sized appropriately for mobile and cloud gaming. The microswitch D-pad on the left is smooth with good haptic feedback and provides a wider range of directional movement than some of the rival models.

Razer Kishi V2 Compatibility

As far as compatibility goes, the Kishi V2 works with a huge number of Android smartphones and tablets. I successfully tested it with the Samsung Galaxy S9, S21, S22, Google Pixel 3, 4, and 6, as well as Razer phones. For Apple users, there’s good news too: there are plans to launch an iOS version sometime this year.

For the Kishi V2, our phones should have a centrally located USB-C port and should be running on Android 9.0 or later. This USB-C connection is important as it removes input lag and allows for pass-through charging while gaming.

Razer Kishi V2 Performance

Regarding the performance aspect, the Kishi V2 can be seen as an improvement from the first iteration of the product. The new design provides us with a better grip, which is very handy when playing games for long hours.

Included with the controller is Razer’s Nexus app, which is free software that acts as a launch bar for games and allows for reprogramming of the two additional programmable buttons, M1 and M2. This may be an interesting addition; however, we have seen that the app occasionally does not open directly after clicking on it.

The only minor issue that may have been experienced by some users with the face buttons. Though they are clacky and fun to push, we don’t find the Xbox-style labeling of the prior model as impressive. On the other hand, the white lettering looks somewhat dull in comparison.

All in all, we have discovered that the Razer Kishi V2 is one of the best mobile gaming controllers. Its build, convenient buttons, and compatibility make it suitable for hardcore mobile gaming, such as what we do. Whether we use local mobile games or stream through cloud gaming services, the Kishi V2 gives us an enjoyable gaming experience.

Backbone One

We have been using the Backbone One, and it has indeed taken our iPhones to the next level of gaming. This controller has risen to the top of our list for mobile gaming since it combines style with functionality in a way that makes gaming more enjoyable.

Backbone One Design

The Backbone One’s design is based on the PS DualSenseTM controller, which provides us with a familiar and ergonomic layout. It connects to iPhones and, in an instant, transforms them into handheld gaming devices—we like that! The controller is equipped with two sets of magnetic adapters, which makes it even more suitable to be used with our phones. It was convenient for us to switch between these adapters since they featured a magnetic lock mechanism.

The biggest change is the new D-pad layout, which, based on our observations, improves the overall sensitivity in different types of games. This improvement has afforded us more control, especially in fighting games and some types of platformers where direction is key.

Backbone One Connectivity

This is where the backbone excels at connectivity. It is specifically intended to be compatible with iPhones that use the lightning port. We’ve discovered that it draws little power from our phones, and we can enjoy longer gaming sessions without worrying about our battery.

For PlayStation fans out there, this is good news. In combination with the PS Remote Play App, we can play our PlayStation games at any location. One should, however, know that while there is an Android version, only the PlayStation Edition is compatible with PS Remote Play on Android.

Backbone One App Integration

In terms of our iPhones, the Backbone app has become the one-stop shop for all things gaming. It consolidates the content library and game streaming services, creating a unified experience. They have said that it has been so easy and convenient to have all its games and services centralized.

One of the options that cannot be left without attention is the built-in capture button. It enables me to record the screen or take screenshots of your gameplay and share them on platforms such as Instagram Stories and iMessage. The bookmarking aspect has been amusing; when holding the Capture Button during the recording, it highlights parts of the video.

With the help of an application feature called Rich Presence, the game becomes even more fun when played with friends. We also receive push notifications whenever buddies begin playing to allow users to join those games ‘in real time’. It can be used to switch from one game to another since the voice chat is integrated and does not require us to disengage from the conversation.

For those of us who have Backbone+, we have been able to play other games using the controller on tablets, laptops, and PCs. Its flexibility has made the Backbone One an indispensable peripheral for our gaming, wherever we are—at home or on the move.

Based on our observations, the Backbone One is indeed a great innovation in mobile gaming. With its thoughtful design, seamless app connector, and strong app support, it has raised our iPhone gaming to new heights. Whether we are exploring Apple Arcade games, streaming from Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or simply gaming remotely on our console games, the Backbone One has been our versatile controller of choice for competitive mobile gaming.

SteelSeries Stratus+

Recently, we have been experimenting with the SteelSeries Stratus+ controller, and it has proven to be a great companion for games on Android devices. This black controller provides us with console-like gaming experiences on our mobiles and Chromebooks, blending comfort and performance well.

SteelSeries Stratus+ Ergonomics

When it comes to ergonomics, the Stratus+ does not fail to deliver on its promise. We have discovered that it is comfortable for hours of gaming, with ALPS analog thumbsticks complete with clickable L3/R3 buttons. This means that it provides us with more inputs in a variety of games, which in turn improves our control and accuracy.

There is one innovation that we think deserves special praise: the new Hall Effect magnetic sensors in the triggers. They provide a smoothed surface, which we found to be of great advantage during games that require gentle trigger manipulation.

The controller also has a slim phone mount with an adjustable height to hold almost any Android phone. The best thing we like about this one is how adaptable it is; you can game anywhere at your convenience with it.

SteelSeries Stratus+ Battery Life

Durability is where the Stratus+ excels. We were astounded to learn that it can last 90 hours on a single charge. This is great for us, particularly when we are playing for many hours or when we are on the move.

However, what is far more fascinating is the fact that the smartphone supports fast charging. It has been established that a fast charge of 15 minutes provides 12 hours of gameplay. This feature has come in handy for us more than once when we have not charged it before a gaming session.

SteelSeries Stratus+ Versatility

ChromebooksThe Stratus+ is also fairly flexible when it comes to connectivity options. It has integrated well with our Android mobile devices and Chromebooks through Bluetooth LE, which is easy and battery-friendly.

For PC gaming, we just use the USB-C to A connection, and that makes it so versatile as a multi-platform controller. This flexibility means we can use the same controller across different devices, and we find this very convenient.

It has been quite a pleasure to use the Stratus+ with different games, including Fortnite Mobile and games that are based on GeForce Now. The kind of control it provides over the touch-screen controls has enhanced our performance while gaming.

Overall, our choice for the Stratus+ shows the versatility of comfort and features that come from the SteelSeries product line. It might not be as luxurious as some other high-end controllers out there, but we believe it offers awesome usability at reasonable prices. In our casual and even intensive gaming experience at home and on the go, the Stratus+ has been a solid and entertaining teammate for our mobile gaming endeavors.

Sony DualSense Controller

So now we will continue the discussion about the Sony DualSense controller—yes, it has changed our gaming for the better. This new PS5® controller makes for even better gaming features that we have been enjoying so much.

Sony DualSense Controller Features

One of the most important aspects that has enhanced our gaming is the features of the DualSense wireless controller. We were especially pleased with the game-like feeling brought on by the haptic feedback and the dynamic adaptive triggers. They have helped to make it possible for us to touch the on-screen image as if we were real performers or dancers on stage.

To some degree, we have observed the difference in force and tension and how it is applied when we engage with in-game gear and scenarios. For instance, when you decide to draw an especially tight bowstring or slam on the brakes of a fast car, it does feel very real. The dual actuators eliminate the rumble motors of old and provide sensational vibrations for anything from environmental factors to the kick of a weapon.

Another is the included microphone, which we have come to appreciate so much. It has been very helpful, especially in having quick conversations with friends during gaming. It turns out that the inclusion of an accelerometer and gyroscope has made motion control in games possible.

Sony DualSense Controller Compatibility

However, we’ve realized that the controller for PS5 consoles, the DualSense, works significantly better with PC games. We have managed to use it with different computers, including Windows computers and Mac computers, as well as compatible mobile devices.

When it comes to PC gaming, however, we’ve seen more intricate features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers implemented in various first-party titles. Some features can be disabled depending on the connected compatible devices. For example, the Create button, the touchpad, the light bar, and the motion sensor capabilities could be restricted.

Sony DualSense Controller Performance

As for the performance, the DualSense controller has proved to be quite satisfactory to us on numerous occasions. The better-quality sounds coming from the controller add an extra sense to certain games, improving the general gaming experience.

As for charging, we have discovered that using USB Type-C® is quite useful since we can listen to music and charge the device at the same time. As for battery life, it has been sufficient for our gaming sessions, though it does not seem to last as long compared to other gaming controllers we have used.

One feature that we enjoy is the usability of the controller with the PS Remote Play App. This feature has made it possible to play the games from my PS4TM or PS5 console on my PC, Mac, or other compatible mobile devices, providing convenience in the way we game.

However, it should be noted that to return the controller to the console when we use it with other devices, you simply plug it into USB and press the PS button. While this isn’t very troublesome, it is essential to understand if you often switch between devices.

In conclusion, I have discovered that using the Sony DualSense controller has been a game-changer when it comes to mobile gaming. The technical design of this controller is unique, compatible with numerous devices, and offers improved performance in gaming.

8BitDo Pro 2

For quite some time now, we have been using the 8BitDo Pro 2 controller, and it’s been my favorite mobile gaming controller. It is a classic-looking gamepad with all the features of contemporary design, which makes this console an excellent choice for serious gamers.

8BitDo Pro 2 Design

In terms of design, the Pro 2 is reminiscent of traditional controllers and is inspired by the SNES and PlayStation 1 DualShock controllers. Petite and classy in the hands, the dogbone-shaped face and the curved grips are reminiscent of the DualShock controllers. The handles have been contoured in a new shape to comfortably rest in our palms as we play games for hours without feeling uncomfortable.

Some of the changes that we have observed to be improved include the grip of the product. The backside is now ribbed for a better grip, and we like this in the heat of the action during gaming. The pressure-sensitive triggers have been adjusted to be marginally less sensitive while maintaining an optimal combination of sensitivity and feedback.

8BitDo Pro 2 Customization

The customization option is where the Pro 2 stands out on its own. One software that has stood out for us is the 8BitDo Ultimate Software, which grants us flagship control over the controller. This free software offers button mapping, stick and trigger dead zone customization, vibration control, and macros from any button.

Another feature that we never tire of using is the possibility to create several profiles and switch between them. What is more, it has three programmable profiles, which can be switched with the help of a profile button placed between the sticks. This has been very helpful for me, especially when moving from one game to another that comes with different controls.

The Pro 2 also has two customizable back buttons, P1 and P2. These have been very handy, especially when it comes to denoting the most common actions; we don’t need to let go of the sticks during intense gaming with friends.

8BitDo Pro 2 Versatility

It was also impressive in terms of flexibility, and we have been surprised by the Pro 2. This one can seamlessly be used with Switch, Windows, Apple, Android, and many other devices. The new 4-way mode switch is hovering, which enables us to switch between the four modes by turning the dial or hitting a button without having to memorize sequences of buttons.

During usage, we noticed that the Pro 2 can seamlessly connect either with Windows computers or Nintendo Switch consoles. For the pairing process, the symptoms are fast, while for the reconnection of the controller, when we switch between gadgets, it is seamless.

We have especially liked the Pro 2 for classic games on PC and for fast-paced games on Switch. The d-pad and face buttons are tactile and seem to be a refreshingly modern take on old-school gaming that is the classic controllers.

At $49.99, we believe that the 8BitDo Pro 2 stands at an incredible balance of performance and price. It offers almost all the features that most of us would desire in a controller for both Windows and Switch and in many ways, it does even better than a Switch Pro Controller. Whatever your device of choice is to game on, whether it be your phone tablet, or console, the 8BitDo Pro 2 has been a potent and dependable sidekick for our fighting, shooting, and running needs.

Factors to Consider When Deciding on a Mobile Gaming Controller

That being so, there are some things we need to consider when we are out to look for a mobile gaming controller to enjoy our favorite games. I decided to focus on the most crucial details that are worth our attention.

Compatibility

Some of the factors that must be considered include the following compatibility:

A controller must be compatible with the devices and the various platforms we use for playing games. As for PC gamers, its diversity can only be considered a great thing, as this platform fits many genres. They range from normal gamepads up to simulation sticks as an example of flight sticks for flight simulation games.

If we are gamers with multiple consoles at our disposal, it is advisable to look for controllers that are compatible across platforms. This way, it becomes very convenient to switch and play different games on different gaming systems without having to swap controllers.

Ergonomics

The softness of our gaming controller can determine whether or not our gaming experiences will be positive. Special emphasis must be placed on its ergonomic characteristics based on the design of the controller. It should be easy to grip and maneuver so that there is not much stress on the hand when holding it while playing games for longer periods, and it should have a friendly placement of buttons, joysticks, or triggers.

One area to examine would be the dispersion of buttons and thumbsticks. Some gamers may argue that the controllers used on the PlayStation have their thumbsticks centered, while others may argue that those on the Xbox have their thumbsticks off-center, which they find suitable for long gaming.

In joystick operation, the quality of the joystick must be well determined. Many navigation techniques can be invasive, especially if they are going to be used frequently, and one of them is going to control the character on screen, so it should not feel cheap or uncomfortable. Other factors we should consider are controllers that have responsive analog sticks that enable us to have good control of the game.

Battery Life

When traveling with your game, you have to consider the time gathered for the battery’s lifetime. We desire a controller that would be able to offer long hours of gaming without requiring temporary charging. Some controllers provide between 4 and 8 hours of battery life, which is nice for plane rides or car moving.

But it goes even further; some controllers come with wireless charging as well, which is enough of a reason. Keeping a wireless charging pad or stand for controllers as a part of the game console takes advantage of the fact that the controller is always connected and prepared for use.

Additional Features

Many of today’s game controllers are packed with extra features that might just help make our gaming even better.

1. Customizability:

One can change and define button mapping and calibrate raw sensitivity to meet our needs and comfort zones.

2. Adaptive triggers:

These offer real resistance that is not constant but adjusts with what is happening in a game, making it more realistic.

3. Haptic feedback:

This technology offers varying sensations that can either mimic the feel of a surface or some action in the game.

4. Integrated features:

Some controllers may also incorporate other working parts, such as a touchpad, motion detector, or audio jack, to enhance both control and play.

5. Durability:

Of course, it would be desirable to have a controller that is built to last and where falling and dropping the controller can happen with little to no negative impact on the controller.

Based on these elements, it will be easier to recommend a mobile gaming controller that will be appropriate to support our gaming needs and enhance our gaming experience.

Conclusion

The controllers used in mobile games have been going through constant innovation, and this has given gamers several chances to enhance their gaming. Every controller under discussion in this article has characteristics and advantages that make it appropriate for certain users or certain types of games. These controllers heavily influence our experience as we play mobile games since they offer console-like precision and comfort to handheld systems. Considering the development of the mobile gaming industry, the choice of the right controller cannot be underestimated.

Thus, we can identify a controller that would be best suited for an extended mobile gaming session by comparing its compatibility, ergonomics, battery life, and additional functions. For occasional gamers and professional game players, the selection of the controller may have an impact on their performance as well as the sampled games.